Beyond Consociational Theory: Identity in Northern Ireland and Brussels. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jarrett, Henry
• Is Part Of: Nationalism & ethnic politics. Volume 22:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 432
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: World politics -- Periodicals; Ethnic relations -- Periodicals; Nationalism -- Periodicals; 320.54
• DOI: 10.1080/13537113.2016.1239446
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-7113

Abstract

Abstract : This article analyzes the potential for consociational power sharing to pave the way for the formation of a shared identity in divided societies. It compares consociational arrangements in Northern Ireland and Brussels and argues that if this is achievable it will be demonstrated in the more liberal case of the former, rather than the corporate case of the latter. In concluding that greater intergroup engagement is occurring in Brussels than in Northern Ireland, this article challenges the ability of consociationalism to mitigate identities and looks to other factors to explain this finding.